Ineffective workplace environments affect productivity, study shows

News | Workplace modernisation | Research | CIPD

Companies with ineffective workplace environments could be left behind, a new study has suggested.

Research from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and BIFM found that many organisations are struggling to handle systematic changes from workplace modernisation.

The report is a result of a three-month online consultation with professionals from industries including facilities management, human resources, IT, architecture and workplace productivity working together to identify obstacles and boost efficiency.

Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, said: “The world of work is rapidly changing and people are at the very heart of this change. Getting workplace design right can have a huge impact on how connected, engaged and productive people are at work.

“When workplace design takes into account the nature of work being carried out, how people interact and the unique culture of an organisation, it can unlock tremendous value for both the business and individuals.”

Mr Cheese went on to say that organisations that design their offices properly will prove that their efforts are working by having thriving and successful businesses.

The report advises that it is crucial that best practice becomes common practice and that good design workplace design should be available for all employees and not just cash-rich private sector organisations.

All workplaces also need to reflect what the company is trying to achieve and how it will do so. For companies to justify spending money on improving the office, managers should focus their business case on getting the maximum investments from workers.

By outlining that a better environment will lead to better performance, managers can persuade other members of the board to spend money on their environment and boost performance.